Cold, mold loom as hazards in Sandy disaster zones

Dec. 1, 2012

Written by

DAVID B. CARUSO

Associated Press

NEW YORK — A month after Sandy’s floodwaters caused devastation along the New Jersey and New York coastlines, thousands of people are still living in homes that lack heat and have growing problems with mold and construction dust.

Health experts are warning that some people in the disaster zone might be endangering themselves by trying to stick it out in houses and apartments that are bitterly cold, or contain other environmental hazards.

New York City officials estimate that there are at least 12,000 people living in homes without heat.

Doctors say mortality rates rise for the elderly and chronically ill who live for prolonged periods without heat.